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January 31, 2002 STAFF REPORT TELLURIDE — On Jan. 12, nearly 3500 skiers and snowboarders flanked U.S. Army retired General Norman Schwarzkopf as he cut the ribbon that officially opened Prospect Bowl, Telluride's new 733-acre expansion that nearly doubles the size of the mountain. "It is my great pleasure to officially open Prospect Bowl in Telluride, Colorado," Schwarzkopf said. The retired general, who led American troops in the Persian Gulf War, is a longtime Telluride enthusiast and part-time resident. Joining him in cutting the ribbon was Telluride owner Joe Morita, the eldest son of the late Akio Morita (founder of Sony). Immediately following, about 100 local children clad in red, white and blue skied into Prospect Bowl, cheering, clicking their poles and exchanging high-fives. Hundreds of skiers and snowboarders followed the children to a festive barbecue where they enjoyed fireworks, paragliders, and other ski and snowboard stunts. Telluride has infused $14 million into Prospect Bowl to create one of the most remarkable and unique experiences in ski country. Three new Doppelmayr high-speed quads access a diversity of terrain ideal for skiers and riders of all ability levels. Ute Park Lift (#11), with a ride time of four minutes and a 275-foot vertical rise, serves as the beginner training area. Prospect Lift (#12) accesses intermediate and expert terrain with a five-minute ride time and a 1,050-foot vertical rise. Topping out at 12,260 feet, Gold Hill Lift (#14) covers 1,475 vertical feet in just four minutes and offers intermediate and experts breathtaking views and an expanse of steep terrain. The Lynx (Lift 13) is a surface lift that provides an egress out of Prospect Bowl to Lifts 1 & 10. Guests and locals seeking nighttime activities won't need to look any farther than Station Recreation, the new Mountain Village outdoor fun center. Tubing, sledding, and snow biking are all part of the action packed menu available for all ages and skill levels. Open daily from 4:30-8:30 p.m., Station Recreation is located on Competition Hill, accessed by Lift 2. Station Recreation is $12/ hour for adults and $8/hour for children or guests can spend the entire evening at Station Recreation for $15 for adults and $10 for children. Season pass holders receive 50 percent off the hourly rate while Telluride Card holders receive 25 percent off the hourly rate. "Station Recreation is easy to get to, loads of fun for kids and adults and can entertain you until your head is ready to hit the pillow!" said Johnnie Stevens, chief operating officer of the Telluride Ski & Golf Company (Telski). For an extra helping of adventure, snowbiking off the gondola is now available from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays for only $50 (price includes lift access, headlamp, equipment and guide). In addition, racing will be available to the public on Wednesdays during the B League Town Race Series and open to the Telluride Ski & Snowboard Club on Tuesday and Thursdays from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets for Station Recreation will be available at all ticket windows in Telluride and Mountain Village during daytime hours and available for purchase at Station Recreation during the evening. The Pizza Chalet and Skiers Union Cafe, adjacent to Station Recreation, will be open to offer guests a place to warm up and enjoy a bite to eat. For more information, phone the Mountain Adventures Department at 970-728-7538. Guided Ski Naturalist Treks are being offered at Durango Mountain Resort on Sundays from 10-11:30 a.m. The short trips are free with a lift ticket. All ages and abilities are welcome. Those interested should meet at 9:45 a.m. at the base of lift no. 4 at Purgatory. Guided snowshoe tours at Durango Mountain Resort are available seven days a week with 24-hour advance notice. The cost is $40 per person which includes a guide, snowshoe rental, chairlift ride, and lunch. The treks and tours are sponsored by the Juan National Forest, San Juan Mountains Association, and Durango Mountain Resort. For details, phone 247-9000, extension 261. |
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